The bill H. 3277 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 23-3-557, which establishes specific regulations regarding sex offenders' contact and custody with their minor children. Under this new provision, individuals convicted of sex offenses that require registration as a sex offender will be prohibited from having contact with their children under the age of eighteen. This restriction can only be lifted by the court if the offender successfully completes a minimum of six months of documented therapy and demonstrates that their sexual deviancy is in remission, as confirmed by a qualified forensic psychologist. Additionally, the bill mandates that the court must ensure appropriate safety planning is in place before allowing any contact between the offender and their minor children.

Furthermore, the bill requires offenders to report the names and addresses of their minor children to the court and obligates the circuit solicitor to provide nonoffending parents with information about their legal rights and responsibilities, as well as guidance on safeguarding their children from the offending parent. The provisions outlined in this bill are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 23-3-557
Latest Version: 23-3-557
12/06/2024: 23-3-557